I-485 Adjustment of Status Blocked 2026: USCIS New Memorandum vs Policy Manual Explained

USCIS recently issued a new memorandum addressing procedures for adjustment of status (Form I-485), prompting widespread discussion among immigration practitioners and applicants. The memorandum appears to conflict with or supplement existing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, raising questions about which authority takes precedence in adjudication decisions. The core distinction between a USCIS Policy Manual update and a standalone memorandum is important: the Policy Manual is the consolidated, authoritative source of immigration policy, while memoranda are typically interim guidance documents. When a memorandum conflicts with the Policy Manual, adjudicators must navigate which document controls — a situation that can lead to inconsistent case outcomes. For EB-3 applicants currently in the adjustment of status process or planning to file Form I-485, this development warrants close attention. If the memorandum restricts eligibility for adjustment of status — for example, by tightening requirements around lawful admission or entry — some applicants may be redirected to consular processing, meaning they would need to leave the U.S. to complete their green card application abroad. Immigration attorneys are advising clients to review their individual eligibility for adjustment of status before filing, particularly those who entered on parole, TPS, or other temporary statuses that have historically been more vulnerable to policy shifts. Filing prematurely under evolving guidance could result in denial or delay. Applicants should monitor official USCIS.gov announcements for any Policy Manual updates that formally incorporate the memorandum's guidance, and consult a qualified immigration attorney before taking action on pending or planned I-485 filings.